A TEENAGE drumming sensation is hoping to become the female Phil Collins after excelling in her examinations.

Katie Lamb, 15, from Guisborough, recently passed her grade eight drum exam with distinction.

The Year 11 pupil at Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, hopes to join a rock band when she finishes her studies.

She said: "One day, I would love to be in a band touring the world. I just want to be able to keep playing the drums for the rest of my life and play with my own band or a tribute band."

Katie cites former Genesis front man Phil Collins and Travis Barker, drummer with US pop punk band Blink-182, as her influences.

She said: "I particularly like listening to Phil Collins. When I see him sing and play he looks like he is so into the song. I have tried to play the rhythms of Blink-182's drummer. They are amazing - so fast and creative."

Katie, who also plays other percussion instruments and classical guitar, explained how she first fell in love with drumming.

She said: "I went to a concert and saw this drummer who had his own solo and I wanted to play like him.

"I started to have lessons three years ago and really enjoyed it." She admitted that during her early days, her parents and neighbours were alarmed by her practising, adding: "When I play, I get totally absorbed in it. I change into a different person."